Built in 1862 by future State Senator Alexander B. Baucus, the Bacon Hill Inn remains largely today as when it was built. Most of the intricate woodwork, original moldings, fixtures, and even some original wallpapers have been preserved. The original outbuildings including the barn, carriage house, and corn crib are still standing among the massive maples trees on the property. The roses, immortalized by Baucus’ daughter in the oil paintings hanging above the marble parlor fireplaces, still bloom every summer in the garden.

The Baucus family raised their two children in the home—a son Joseph and a daughter Fanny. Alexander B. Baucus was a gentleman farmer as well as a State Senator. In addition to livestock and vegetables for use on the farm, he grew potatoes to sell. The potatoes were taken by barge to New York City where they were sold on Wall Street—hence the name of our street today, Wall Street Road.

Esther and Alexander Baucus’ only son Joseph was widowed on his honeymoon trip only days after his marriage to Emma Olney of Utica. Married in the formal parlor, her body was laid out in the same room just two weeks later. Joseph became a New York City attorney and never remarried.

Although prominent and obviously successful, good fortune did not continue for the Baucus family. According to legend, Senator Baucus became ill and his doctor suggested that he take a cruise. Together they traveled to New York City. Baucus was later found wandering around New York City with no money, no doctor, and apparently having suffered a stroke. The family was never wealthy again. His wife Esther remained in the house until 1924.

Daughter Fanny married Frank Sherman of Saratoga Springs in 1900 in the formal parlor. Frank took over the Baucus family business and became the “gentleman farmer.” The Shermans had only one child, Esther, who served as a local librarian before retiring in 1973. Esther never married and the lineage ended when she passed in 1992.

Fanny and Esther lived in the home until it was sold, along with all of its contents, in 1946 to the Rosenstein family. Soon afterwards, the Rosensteins quarreled and Mrs. Rosenstein left. When she returned, her husband had sold the house and left. The house was purchased by Magdelena Schmid in 1947.

Mrs. Schmid raised her two sons, Axel and Chris, in the house. She turned the house into Maple Rest, a nursing home for wealthy New York City women. Mrs. Schmid did not drive, and often would bike into nearby Schuylerville for her groceries. The house passed to her sons upon her death in 1972. Axel Schmidt ran the property as an antique shop until it was sold in 1986 to Andrea and Mark Breslin.

Andrea Collins-Breslin’s mother Amelia “Millie” Rekdal had always dreamed of owning a bed and breakfast. Together they lovingly restored the home and began running “The Inn at Bacon Hill” in 1987. Fortunately, they had an eye for history and preserved the original details, woodwork, and frieze and ceiling papers wherever possible. Andrea and Millie also researched the history of the house and compiled first hand accounts from relatives of the Baucus and Sherman family, Mrs. Rosenstein, Axel Schmid, and local neighbor Mildred Peck who knew Fanny and Esther Sherman personally. They captured the history of the home in a quilt. In 2001, two years after Millie passed away, the inn was sold to Catherine Veltum and her fiancé Tim Cartwright.

Tim and Katie got married and their daughter Olivia was born at the Inn. They are continuing the preservation work on the home, maintaining the historical integrity wherever possible. In addition to running the Bacon Hill Inn, Katie also maintains her office for massage therapy in the home. 2003 saw the beginning of the A.B. Baucus Supper Club—monthly dinners celebrating the abundance of fresh local produce. Katie and Tim are currently in the process of converting the 1860’s barn and grounds for use as a venue for weddings, parties, retreats, and gatherings.

Over the years it has been the site of prominent events, weddings, and celebrations of all types. It is in this spirit that the Bacon Hill Inn is now open to the public as a place for rest, rejuvenation, and celebration.